Where it All Starts: The Attitudes, Behaviors and Social Norms of Car Safety and Driving

It’s hard to imagine living in this large world now without the several modes of transportation we have – from road, sea, air and now even space – out of this very planet. Yet, because of these technological advances the brilliant human mind had been able to conquer, we as people have learnt to take many things for granted, and are often unaware or neglecting of the cautions and dangers that come with these novel creations that help us in daily life. Cars and enclosed vehicles of the like are one example of such a creation that has been so normalized people ignore the dangers that have been caused by them in the past, and are still being caused now, as a result of this neglect. The commonality of usage and presence of this device has been so far ingrained into our society that the life-threatening and life-ending effects of it has been marginalized and ignored. They’re just too much of a convenience to give up, while at the same time, too “simple” of a thing to take seriously and cautiously every day.

Millions of deaths result a year from car accidents and car related accidents, but how can we stop this? The root of this issue lies ingrained in the very society we live in, and the attitudes and behaviors of the people close to us, that teach and form our own attitudes and behaviors towards driving and road safety. Growing up, I’ve never heard any of my adults or guardians talk about road safety or cautions to take with driving and cars. When I came of age to learn how to drive, all there was was excitement and enthusiasm for “growing up”, “finally” and nothing about its dangers and cautions I have to take. Of course, there was talk about learning the rules, but it was for “passing”, not so much for “safety” – obviously here, there lies a gap in attitude. Driving has been so normal and ingrained into daily life as an essential and inescapable item that everyone seems to collectively neglect the importance of safety in technology – and this applies to many other aspects of technology that we can spend hours discussing. Watching my friends and family drive, rarely does anyone mention wearing seatbelts properly due to safety, its always because “we may get fined” – a gap in the attitude towards car safety. Being on the phone casually, moments of eyes flickering back and forth between the phone and the road, turning around or to the side to speak to persons on the car – all these are so normal, and no one ever addresses it as something unsafe, even the people on the car, who, also do not place much importance or awareness towards the safety of driving. Friends of the same age: drag racing at night – for the thrill, for the youth, for fun – at the neglect of life. While sometimes, nothing really does happen, for some others, and sometimes, you never know when, a single mistake, or another’s single mistake, could haunt for life – or take a life.

So, how do we change these attitudes and behaviors to ensure there is more importance placed towards driving and car safety? Like most things that are known as a collective implicit or “norm” – this is taught. Just as the collective neglect towards car safety was taught, we can teach just that – car safety – reverse the process, or, at least, try. This is the importance of education in itself, and the importance of it in changing attitudes and behaviors for the better. This education does’ not necessarily need to come from schools, but from parents, guardians, relatives, friends, family and any individual that is close to us – the figures that essentially shape us growing up. However, how about for adults that have already formed their own concrete beliefs and attitudes? Well, it’s hard to change when fully formed, but we can always make active efforts to re-emphasize, amplify and encourage adults to re-think and realize the hidden dangers and cautions they need to take when driving – for the sake of themselves, others and their loved ones. When the message is consistent, motivated and conveys that the minority truly believes in a matter, even this very minority can set off a wave and influence the majority. When drivers care more, learn to change their attitudes towards driving, this will essentially reduce the amounts of deaths as a result of driving – usually due to carelessness and unsafe practices, or the lack of awareness of car safety.

Wear your seatbelts, focus on the road, adhere to speed limits, don’t be under any type of influence, don’t be competitive or stingy (keep a safe distance), know your road rules (and follow them), maintain your car – be aware of safety and the consequences (often deadly) of unsafe driving – for the sake of valuing life of yourself, others, and your loved ones more. Personally, I believe that the people seated in the vehicle also have a responsibility – be aware of such rules as well, actually be active in reinforcing them – be active and responsible, hold accountability for your loved ones and friends actions. Collective action is needed to make a change, and it starts with you, not “somebody else will”. Take action. Spread the word. Speak up.